Villar: "They're geniuses, the best in the world"

Óscar Campillo, the editor of MARCA, has presented the Spanish national team with the newspaper's Platinum Award for its achievements over the last four years. "This award is in recognition of the team's spirit, which has taught the media, the fans and the clubs a lesson. This is a new prize that we have created to keep up with the standards set by the national team. No one had ever won two European Championships and a World Cup back to back before. We're keeping the MARCA Diamond Award on ice for the World Cup in Brazil", stated Campillo.

"They've set an example for all of us; they're the best in the world. Not because of what they've achieved on the pitch, but rather because of the way they carry themselves. They're normal, and that's what makes them geniuses", noted Ángel María Villar, the president of the Spanish Football Federation.

"I'd also like to congratulate all of the players who have been honoured with personal accolades, like Iniesta. And Iker Casillas and Xavi, winners of the Prince of Asturias Award. I want to take my hat off to Vicente del Bosque, who has secured two trophies that every coach dreams about. He deserves success for his demeanour and the way he embodies the values of our sport. We also mustn't forget Luis Aragonés, who did a brilliant job", Villar continued.

Xavi and Iker Casillas also shared their reactions after finding out that they had been awarded the Prince of Asturias Award for Sports. "This recognises a generation of players and a friendship that has lasted many years. There has been tension along the way, but friendship comes above all else", said the Barcelona star.

"We have known each other for a long time, we are the figureheads but other players also deserve credit for helping to smooth things over", insisted Casillas.